Rising Alt-Indie Rock Duo Dual Variant Share New Single “Against All Odds”
Born seconds apart, London, Ontario twin brothers Anthony and Nicholas LaBarbera have built Dual Variant into one of the city’s most electrifying emerging rock acts. With nothing but distorted bass, explosive drums, and a shared creative instinct, the duo deliver a massive sound that hits far bigger than two people on stage. Their latest single, “Against All Odds,” reflects that relentless drive – and in this interview, Anthony and Nicholas open up about the journey so far, the challenges behind the song, and what it means to keep pushing forward together.
“Against All Odds” is rooted in perseverance and pushing through challenges – what was happening in your lives or in the band when this song first came together?
Anthony LaBarbera: “When we first worked on “Against All Odds,” it was really about proving ourselves. We faced a lot of skepticism, and that pushed us to dig deeper and be more innovative. It was that determination and resilience that really shaped the song and gave it its heart.”
Nicholas LaBarbera: For me, ‘Against All Odds’ really highlights our journey of growth. We picked up our instruments just four years ago, and that means we had to prove ourselves from the ground up. Overcoming doubts and challenges was a big part of that process, and it’s that determination and passion that really shine through in the song.
Anthony has said this track is a special one for both of you. What makes “Against All Odds” feel different from your previous releases like “Lover Girl” and “A Better Tomorrow”?
NL: “Against All Odds” stands apart because it really dives into our personal journey of overcoming doubt. Anthony would say it’s about proving ourselves and facing skepticism head-on, while I’d add that it’s also about the growth and resilience we’ve developed along the way. Unlike “Lover Girl,” which explored complex relationships, and “A Better Tomorrow,” which was all about hope, this track is more about our collective determination. It’s that authenticity and the challenges we faced that really make “Against All Odds” special.
You’ve both spoken about spending the last few years putting nearly all of your time into the band. What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to push through along the way?
AL: Over the last few years, one of our biggest challenges has been balancing the band with other work. Nicholas would point out how we’ve had to juggle long shifts and then come home to put in several hours of music work, and I’d add that it’s that constant grind that really tests our resilience. But through it all, we’ve always emphasized enjoying the journey and the process. It’s that mindset that keeps us motivated, knowing that the hard work we put in will ultimately pay off. And having music worldwide is proof.
The song feels very relatable for anyone dealing with setbacks or self-doubt. What do you hope listeners take away from “Against All Odds” when they hear it for the first time?
NL: When listeners hear “Against All Odds” for the first time, we hope they feel a sense of empowerment and connection. Anthony would say that we want them to recognize that they’re not alone in facing setbacks and self-doubt, and I’d add that we hope the song inspires them to keep pushing forward despite the challenges. Ultimately, we want them to feel that sense of hope and resilience that we poured into the track.
You create such a huge, high-impact sound as a two-piece. How did you approach building the energy and drive of this track with just bass and drums?
AL: To create that huge sound as a two-piece, it really started with us just playing together. Our sessions were so loud and heavy that we’d get phone calls and texts asking us to turn it down, but we never let that stop us. We just kept pushing and refining our sound. Eventually, as we got better, those calls and texts stopped coming in, and that was a sign that we were really honing our craft. Over time, we focused on making sure our bass and drums were as powerful and dynamic as possible before adding vocals. It’s that blend of raw energy and continuous improvement that really defines our sound today.
You’re twin brothers and longtime collaborators – how does that twin connection shape the way you write, rehearse, and make creative decisions together?
NL: As twin brothers and collaborators, we operate as one unit. We rarely have disagreements. If something fits, it fits, and if it doesn’t, we move on without any hard feelings. We’re always open to trying new ideas, and that trust allows us to experiment freely. Growing up together, we built a deep bond, and when we’re writing, rehearsing, or performing live, it can feel almost out-of-body. That’s when we know the magic is happening. That natural synergy is what truly sets our music apart.
Now that “Against All Odds” is out, how does this release fit into what you’re working toward next as a band? Are you playing any upcoming shows?
AL & NL: Now that the song is out, it really marks a new chapter for us. We’re definitely focusing on more live shows. We’ve got two coming up in April, and we’re always working on booking more. Beyond that, we’re super excited about new music. We’re thrilled to be working with two-time Grammy winner Adrian Bushby in England this year, and we’ll also continue collaborating with Juno-winning producer Mike Langford in Toronto. There’s a lot of exciting stuff ahead for this year and next, and we’re hoping this sparks new opportunities and connections, potentially with a management team or a label. Above all, we are truly feeling blessed.